Yes, Minister, we need more intergenerational care for young and old

The recognition by Matt Hancock, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, of the benefits of mixing for older and younger people is a major step forward. It reflects the fact that many nurseries are now linking with care homes across the UK and a growing number are becoming co-located.
 
These nurseries and care homes are all part of a growing grassroots movement bringing older and younger people together. Boosted by TV coverage of the care-home nursery model, many providers recognise that it’s the right thing to do.
 
Much of the focus has been on the benefits for older people in reducing isolation and loneliness and improving physical and mental health. But many childcare providers can also see how it helps children’s development from language and social skills to boosting confidence at a time of rising child poverty and mental health issues. There are also benefits for the staff and for the families involved as well as for care providers.
 
Unfortunately much of our society is divided and Britain is one of the most age segregated countries in the world. Many children have no regular contact with older people and vice versa. This leads to exclusion and isolation, lack of trust and ageism, and ultimately it divides our country.
 
In response we have seen more and more visits by nurseries to care homes, often inspired by Channel 4’s 'Old People’s Home for Four Year Olds'. Such visits are the first steps towards closer working by childcare and eldercare providers and closer relationships between older and younger people.      
 
Some older people’s care homes and care-with-housing schemes have now identified space on their sites – either existing or new sites – where a nursery can be accommodated. This enables daily interaction (planned as part of the early years curriculum as well as spontaneous) between children at the nursery and the older residents.    
 
The benefits for providers of such an approach are both social and economic. They can share costs such as catering, grounds and building maintenance, and other back office functions. Residents and children are happier, and that also makes the staff’s jobs easier and more rewarding.